Around the NFL: Week 17 preview

The Texans' season comes to an end in Indianapolis, but there is some playoff-related intrigue across the NFL, albeit no win-or-go-home games between rivals. By Greg Rajan

Greg Rajan
| on December 29, 2017

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Image 1 of 3

Julio Jones and the Falcons need a win or Seattle loss Sunday to clinch a playoff spot in order for a chance to become the first Super Bowl runner-up to return to the big game since 1993.

Photo: David Richard, FRE

Image 2 of 3

A Cleveland Browns fan reacts in the second half of an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Browns, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Cleveland. Baltimore won 27-10. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Photo: Rich Barnes, FRE

Image 3 of 3

Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) speaks with the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 24-16. (AP Photo/RichBuffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) speaks with the media following an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won 24-16. (AP Photo/Rich Barnes)

The Texans' season comes to an end in Indianapolis, but there is some playoff-related intrigue across the NFL, albeit no win-or-go-home games between rivals.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Panthers at Falcons, 3:25 p.m. Sunday

It's simple for the Falcons: win and they're in the playoffs with the opportunity to become the first Super Bowl loser to return to the ultimate game since the 1993 Bills. A loss knocks out Atlanta and would make them the 10th Super Bowl runner-up to fail to make the playoffs the next year. Ghastly red-zone errors like last week in New Orleans, when the Falcons failed to score twice deep in enemy territory, won't help matters. On the other side, the Panthers are already in but can clinch the NFC South title if they win and the Saints lose. Throw in losses by the Vikings and Rams and the Panthers get a first-round bye.

END OF AN ERA?

Cardinals at Seahawks, 3:25 p.m. Sunday

The Seahawks' chance for a sixth straight playoff berth are hanging by a thread. They need to win and have Carolina beat Atlanta. That the Seahawks are still in it despite losing secondary stalwarts Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor says something. A loss Sunday could mean the end of a dominant run for the Legion of Boom.

IMPERFECT SEASON

Browns at Steelers, noon Sunday

History is beckoning for the Browns - and it's the unwelcome kind. A loss Sunday will cement the second 0-16 season in NFL history, with Cleveland joining the 2008 Lions in NFL infamy. The Steelers still have an outside shot at the AFC's No. 1 seed, so they won't let up - especially with a chance to ensure an ignominious place in history for their rivals.

COLLAPSE CLOSE?

Jaguars at Titans, 3:25 p.m. Sunday

Tennessee was hyped as the team to beat in the AFC South during the preseason and sat at 8-4 after a win over the Texans. But three weeks later, the Titans are trying to avert a major collapse. They can still clinch a playoff berth with a win and no other help. It'll be interesting to see what the Jaguars do, as they're locked into the No. 3 seed and may choose to rest key players since there's nothing to play for.

MAKE IT 18?

Bills at Dolphins, 3:25 p.m. Sunday

Buffalo, which hasn't tasted the postseason since 1999, is still in the playoff hunt. However, the Bills need to take care of business and get some help. The Bills get in with a win and a Ravens loss to the Bengals or a win and losses by the Titans and Chargers (against the Raiders).

THEY SAID IT

"Up here, they always find a way to get it right for the Patriots." - LeSean McCoy,Bills running back after a controversial replay ruling that took away a Buffalo TD and halftime lead in last week's loss at New England.